Short Questions with Answers
1. Who was Roop Singh?
Answer : Roop Singh was a disciplined and proud guard in the apartment.
2. Where did the guards stay?
Answer : They stayed in small servant quarters near the parking lot.
3. Why couldn’t the guards live with their families?
Answer : Families were not allowed in the servant quarters.
4. What stood out about Roop Singh’s uniform?
Answer : It was always clean, ironed, and professional.
5. Why did Kedia argue with Roop Singh?
Answer : Roop stopped his guest from entering without permission.
6. How did Roop surprise Kedia?
Answer : He replied in fluent English during the argument.
7. What was Kedia’s reaction to Roop speaking English?
Answer : He was shocked and angry.
8. What was Roop Singh’s educational background?
Answer : He studied up to intermediate level in Patna.
9. Why did Roop leave farming?
Answer : He left farming due to poor income and family responsibilities.
10. Why did Roop send a letter to Ritwik’s father?
Answer : He asked for an advance of ₹100 due to financial struggles.
11. What was Kedia’s behavior like?
Answer : Kedia was arrogant and often belittled others.
12. What food did Roop eat regularly?
Answer : Roop survived on boiled rice and potatoes.
13. What was Roop’s favorite pastime?
Answer : He enjoyed reading books and discussing literature.
14. Why did Roop leave his teaching job?
Answer : He wasn’t paid for six months and had no hope of payment.
15. How did Roop react to Kedia’s taunts at the party?
Answer : He put down his plate quietly and walked away.
16. What caused Roop to lose his mental balance?
Answer : Hunger, humiliation, and thoughts of his family broke him down.
17. What did Roop destroy in the lobby?
Answer : He smashed the revolving doors, chairs, and the intercom system.
18. What happened to Roop after his breakdown?
Answer : He was tied up, beaten, and taken to a hospital.
19. How did the residents react to Kedia’s treatment of Roop?
Answer : Some supported Roop and opposed his removal.
20. What was Roop’s monthly salary?
Answer : He earned a meager ₹600 per month.
21. Why did Roop stop saluting Kedia?
Answer : He stopped saluting as a quiet form of defiance.
22. What did Roop wear with pride?
Answer : He wore a bright maroon sweater sent by his wife.
23. Why did Ritwik admire Roop?
Answer : Ritwik admired Roop’s intelligence and stoic attitude.
24. Who was Ritwik’s father?
Answer : He was one of the senior residents in the apartment.
25. What did Kedia organize regularly?
Answer : He organized temple donations and religious events.
26. Why did Roop’s family sell their land?
Answer : They sold it to pay for his sister’s wedding.
27. What books did Ritwik lend to Roop?
Answer : He lent books by Muktibodh, Renu, and Dinkar.
28. What was Kedia’s view of Roop speaking English?
Answer : Kedia felt insulted and thought it was to mock him.
29. Why did Ritwik give Roop ₹100?
Answer : Ritwik helped Roop during his financial crisis.
30. What was Ritwik doing on December 31?
Answer : He watched a movie instead of attending the party.
Medium Questions with Answers
1. How was Roop Singh different from other guards?
Answer : Roop Singh was disciplined, neat, and professional in his appearance. He carried himself with pride and had an unusual fluency in English. This set him apart from other guards, who were often poorly dressed and less attentive.
2. Why did Kedia criticize Roop Singh repeatedly?
Answer : Kedia couldn’t tolerate that a guard had spoken back to him, especially in English. He began finding faults in Roop’s work, even accusing him of inefficiency. However, the other residents supported Roop, which prevented Kedia from getting him removed.
3. What did Roop’s background reveal about him?
Answer : Roop came from a farming family and studied up to intermediate level. He worked various jobs to support his family, including as a teacher, farmer, and guard. His struggles showed resilience and a strong sense of responsibility.
4. Why did Kedia mock Roop at the New Year’s party?
Answer : Kedia sarcastically commented on Roop’s hunger and the luxurious food. Roop, feeling humiliated, quietly left his plate and walked away. This incident symbolized the deep social divide and Kedia’s arrogance.
5. How did Roop’s behavior change after the argument with Kedia?
Answer : Roop stopped saluting Kedia and kept interactions minimal. However, he continued performing his duties diligently. This quiet defiance annoyed Kedia, but Roop chose to maintain his dignity.
6. Why did Roop send a letter to Ritwik’s father?
Answer : Roop requested an advance of ₹100 to send money to his family. He explained his dire financial situation, even admitting he hadn’t eaten for two days. This letter reflected his desperation and humility.
7. How did Ritwik and Roop bond?
Answer : Ritwik often spoke with Roop about books and life, finding him intelligent and insightful. Their shared love for literature deepened their connection, despite their different social statuses.
8. What led to Roop’s breakdown on December 31?
Answer : Humiliation at the party, hunger, and memories of his struggling family overwhelmed Roop. He destroyed the lobby in a fit of rage, unable to cope with his emotions. This incident highlighted his inner turmoil and pain.
9. What was the attitude of other guards toward Roop?
Answer : Initially, the guards disliked Roop, considering him proud and aloof. Over time, they began respecting his intelligence and leadership, even making him their unofficial leader.
10. What does the story reveal about class differences?
Answer : The story shows the stark divide between the wealthy, like Kedia, and the poor, like Roop. Kedia’s arrogance and lack of empathy contrast sharply with Roop’s dignity and struggles.
11. Why did Roop stop saluting Kedia?
Answer : Roop’s decision to stop saluting Kedia was a quiet protest against humiliation. This small act of defiance reflected his inner strength and refusal to submit to disrespect.
12. What role did books play in Roop’s life?
Answer : Books were a source of knowledge and solace for Roop, helping him escape his harsh reality. They also allowed him to connect with Ritwik, who admired Roop’s critical thinking.
13. How did Kedia’s vanity affect his behavior?
Answer : Kedia’s arrogance led him to belittle Roop and assert dominance unnecessarily. He struggled to accept that a poor guard could challenge him intellectually.
14. What does Roop’s life story symbolize?
Answer : Roop’s life represents resilience and dignity in the face of poverty and prejudice. His struggles highlight the challenges faced by the underprivileged in a class-divided society.
15. Why is the story titled The Leader of Men?
Answer : Despite his hardships, Roop displayed qualities of leadership, intelligence, and pride. His fellow guards looked up to him, making him a symbolic “leader” in their small community.
Long Questions with Answers
1. Describe Roop Singh’s character and background.
Answer : Roop Singh was a disciplined, educated man who worked as a security guard. Despite his hardships, he carried himself with dignity and took pride in his work. His past involved farming, financial struggles, and responsibilities toward his family. Though intelligent and well-read, he faced prejudice due to his social status. His resilience and leadership qualities set him apart from others.
2. How did Kedia’s behavior reflect class arrogance?
Answer : Kedia often mocked and belittled Roop, showing his sense of superiority as a wealthy man. His sarcastic remarks and attempts to get Roop fired revealed his lack of empathy. Kedia couldn’t accept that a poor guard could speak fluent English or show defiance. His actions symbolized the insensitivity of the privileged class.
3. What triggered Roop Singh’s breakdown?
Answer : Roop’s breakdown was triggered by humiliation at the New Year’s party, combined with hunger and memories of his family’s struggles. Feeling trapped and undervalued, he destroyed the lobby in a fit of rage. This act was a manifestation of his suppressed emotions and despair.
4. How does the story depict the struggles of Roop Singh’s life?
Answer : Roop Singh’s life was a series of struggles, starting from losing his father and leaving his education. He worked as a teacher without pay and switched to multiple jobs to support his family. His meager salary of ₹600 as a guard was insufficient for basic needs, forcing him to request advances. Despite these hardships, Roop maintained his dignity and professionalism. The constant humiliation he faced, especially from Kedia, added to his mental burden.
5. How does the relationship between Ritwik and Roop Singh evolve?
Answer : Initially, Ritwik was intrigued by Roop’s unique demeanor and professionalism. Their bond deepened through regular conversations, where they discussed books, life, and their views. Ritwik admired Roop’s intelligence and resilience, even lending him literature that Roop appreciated. Despite their differing social statuses, they formed a mutual respect for each other. Ritwik’s support during Roop’s financial troubles showed his empathy and care.
6. What role does Kedia play in highlighting social hierarchies?
Answer : Kedia embodies the arrogance and entitlement of the wealthy upper class. His belittling behavior toward Roop, particularly mocking his fluency in English, exposes his insecurities. Kedia’s actions, such as trying to fire Roop and taunting him at the party, underline his lack of empathy. His arrogance is further shown in his belief that the rich are always right. The story uses Kedia to critique societal structures that devalue the dignity and capabilities of the poor. Kedia’s behavior contrasts sharply with Ritwik’s humane treatment of Roop.
7. How does Roop Singh’s mental breakdown symbolize his internal struggles?
Answer : Roop’s mental breakdown on December 31 is the culmination of his internal struggles with humiliation, poverty, and isolation. The taunts at the party were the final trigger, representing years of suppressed pain and frustration. His act of destroying the lobby reflects the depth of his despair and helplessness. The destruction also symbolizes a rejection of the injustices he endured silently for so long. This moment is a poignant commentary on how systemic inequality and humiliation can mentally and emotionally devastate individuals.
8. How does the title The Leader of Men reflect Roop Singh’s character?
Answer : Though a mere guard, Roop Singh displayed leadership qualities through his intelligence, resilience, and sense of responsibility. He earned the respect of his peers, who unofficially considered him their leader. His disciplined demeanor and ability to face humiliation with dignity showcased his inner strength. Ritwik’s admiration for Roop further underscores his qualities of leadership. Despite his societal position, Roop’s actions and principles made him stand out as a true “leader of men.” The title is a tribute to his courage and moral integrity.
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